Dr. Carlos A. Hernandez, MD

Dr. Carlos A. Hernandez  Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Dr. Carlos A. Hernandez is an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist providing healthcare for women through different stages of life. His services include preventive gynecology, pregnancy care, childbirth support, family planning, menstrual health, and menopause management.

He cares for patients who need routine well-woman examinations as well as those experiencing pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, pregnancy concerns, urinary symptoms, or other reproductive health changes.

Dr. Hernandez speaks English and Spanish, helping more patients discuss personal health matters clearly and comfortably.

Patients comparing women’s health physicians can also read about Dr. Jackquelin Perez’s obstetric and gynecological care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Carlos A. Hernandez, MD
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical School: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Juan City Hospital
Practice: Women’s Associates OB/GYN
Primary Practice Area: Deer Park and Pasadena, Texas
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
NPI Number: 1326127507
Accepting New Patients: Current availability should be confirmed directly with the practice

About Dr. Carlos A. Hernandez

Dr. Hernandez completed his medical education at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He continued his clinical training through an obstetrics and gynecology residency at San Juan City Hospital.

His training prepared him to provide medical and surgical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, contraception, fertility, menopause, and disorders affecting the female reproductive system.

Patients may visit Dr. Hernandez for an annual examination, pregnancy monitoring, menstrual changes, pelvic discomfort, contraception advice, or symptoms requiring a more detailed gynecological assessment.

His role may include reviewing the patient’s health history, completing a physical examination, ordering laboratory or imaging tests, discussing treatment options, and coordinating with other specialists when necessary.

Preventive Gynecological Care

Preventive gynecology helps identify health changes before they lead to more serious concerns. Routine visits also allow patients to discuss reproductive goals, menstrual symptoms, sexual health, contraception, and menopause.

Dr. Hernandez may provide:

• Well-woman examinations
• Pelvic examinations
• Pap tests
• Cervical cancer screening
• Breast health discussions
• Mammography guidance
• Sexually transmitted infection testing
• Menstrual health assessment
• Contraception counselling
• Reproductive planning
• Menopause support
• Review of family medical history

The recommended screening schedule depends on age, symptoms, previous results, pregnancy history, medication use, and personal risk factors.

A preventive appointment may also include blood pressure measurement and discussion of general medical conditions that can affect reproductive health.

Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

Prenatal care helps monitor the health of the pregnant patient and developing baby. Regular appointments allow Dr. Hernandez to assess fetal growth, review symptoms, arrange recommended testing, and identify concerns that may require additional attention.

Pregnancy services may include:

• Pregnancy confirmation
• Initial prenatal assessment
• Review of pregnancy and medical history
• Routine prenatal examinations
• Laboratory testing
• Ultrasound coordination
• Fetal heartbeat and growth monitoring
• Blood pressure assessment
• Gestational diabetes screening
• Genetic screening discussions
• Labour and delivery planning
• Postpartum follow-up

The frequency of prenatal visits generally increases as pregnancy progresses. Patients with an existing medical condition or pregnancy complication may need more frequent monitoring.

Patients seeking another physician for pregnancy and gynecological care may review Dr. Shannon L. Hardy’s profile.

High-Risk Pregnancy Concerns

Some pregnancies need closer observation because of the patient’s health, age, pregnancy history, fetal development, or a complication identified during prenatal care.

Dr. Hernandez may evaluate or help manage concerns such as:

• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Previous pregnancy complications
• Previous cesarean delivery
• Multiple pregnancy
• Abnormal fetal growth
• Placental concerns
• Premature labour risk
• Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age
• Existing diabetes or thyroid disease

Additional blood tests, urine testing, ultrasound examinations, fetal monitoring, or specialist consultations may be recommended.

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist may become involved when a pregnancy requires advanced monitoring or treatment.

Labour and Delivery Care

Dr. Hernandez supports patients through labour and childbirth. Delivery planning may include discussions about the expected hospital, signs of labour, pain-management options, induction, vaginal delivery, and situations that could require cesarean birth.

The safest delivery method depends on:

• The patient’s health
• Fetal position
• Pregnancy complications
• Previous uterine surgery
• Labour progress
• Placental location
• Fetal well-being
• The patient’s delivery history

A birth plan can help patients communicate their preferences. However, the plan may need to change when an unexpected medical concern develops.

Dr. Hernandez can explain why a particular intervention is being recommended and what patients may expect during delivery and early recovery.

Cesarean Delivery

A cesarean delivery may be recommended when vaginal birth would create additional risk for the patient or baby.

Reasons may include:

• Abnormal fetal position
• Placental complications
• Labour that does not progress
• Signs of fetal distress
• Certain previous uterine procedures
• Multiple pregnancy complications
• Umbilical cord concerns
• Maternal health problems
• Other urgent obstetric conditions

A cesarean is an abdominal operation, so recovery is generally different from recovery after vaginal birth.

Postoperative care may include incision care, pain control, activity restrictions, and monitoring for infection or other complications.

Postpartum Care

Postpartum appointments support recovery after childbirth and help address physical or reproductive concerns that arise during the weeks following delivery.

Dr. Hernandez may review:

• Recovery after vaginal delivery
• Recovery after cesarean delivery
• Postpartum bleeding
• Incision or tear healing
• Pelvic discomfort
• Breast and feeding concerns
• Urinary symptoms
• Blood pressure
• Return to activity
• Menstrual changes
• Postpartum contraception

Recovery varies depending on the delivery method, pregnancy complications, sleep, overall health, and available support.

Patients should discuss unexpected pain, heavy bleeding, fever, wound changes, or other concerning symptoms with their healthcare team.

Menstrual Disorder Evaluation

Menstrual cycles may change because of hormonal conditions, stress, medication, pregnancy, uterine disorders, weight changes, or menopause.

Dr. Hernandez may evaluate:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Painful periods
• Irregular cycles
• Missed periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Prolonged bleeding
• Bleeding after sexual activity
• Bleeding after menopause
• Pelvic discomfort during menstruation

An assessment may involve a pregnancy test, blood work, pelvic examination, ultrasound, or sampling of the uterine lining.

Treatment depends on the cause and may involve medication, hormonal therapy, an intrauterine device, an office procedure, or surgery.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain may begin suddenly or continue for several months. It can involve the reproductive organs, bladder, bowel, pelvic muscles, or more than one body system.

Possible causes include:

• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic infection
• Menstrual conditions
• Pregnancy-related concerns
• Urinary disorders
• Digestive conditions
• Scar tissue from earlier surgery

Dr. Hernandez may ask where the pain occurs, whether it follows the menstrual cycle, what makes it worse, and whether it is connected with bleeding, urination, bowel movements, or sexual activity.

Testing is selected according to symptoms and examination findings.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding includes menstrual bleeding that is heavier, longer, or less predictable than expected.

Possible causes include:

• Hormonal changes
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Thyroid disorders
• Pregnancy-related conditions
• Medication effects
• Changes approaching menopause
• Disorders affecting blood clotting
• Abnormal changes in the uterine lining

Evaluation may include blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, cervical screening, or endometrial sampling.

Treatment is based on the cause, severity of blood loss, age, overall health, and future pregnancy plans.

Uterine Fibroid Care

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. Some patients have no symptoms, while others experience significant bleeding, pressure, or discomfort.

Possible symptoms include:

• Heavy periods
• Prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure
• Abdominal fullness
• Menstrual pain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Back discomfort
• Anemia
• Fertility concerns

Evaluation commonly includes a pelvic examination and ultrasound.

Treatment may involve monitoring, medication, hormonal therapy, a procedure to remove individual fibroids, or hysterectomy. The recommended option depends on fibroid size, location, symptoms, age, and reproductive goals.

Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. Many cysts are related to normal ovulation and disappear without treatment.

Some cysts may cause:

• Pelvic pain
• Pressure
• Bloating
• Pain during activity
• Menstrual changes
• Discomfort during sexual activity

Dr. Hernandez may use pelvic ultrasound to assess the cyst’s size and appearance.

Management can include monitoring, repeat imaging, medication, or surgery. The decision depends on symptoms, age, cyst characteristics, and whether the cyst changes over time.

Family Planning and Contraception

Dr. Hernandez helps patients compare contraception methods based on their health, pregnancy plans, convenience, effectiveness, and possible side effects.

Options may include:

• Birth control pills
• Contraceptive injections
• Intrauterine devices
• Contraceptive implants
• Patches
• Vaginal rings
• Barrier methods
• Fertility-awareness methods
• Permanent contraception
• Postpartum birth control

Some hormonal methods may also help control heavy bleeding, painful periods, acne, or irregular cycles.

Patients should discuss blood pressure, migraine history, tobacco exposure, blood-clot risks, medication use, and pregnancy plans before selecting a hormonal option.

Fertility Concerns

Difficulty becoming pregnant may involve ovulation, the uterus, fallopian tubes, sperm health, age, or several factors occurring together.

An initial fertility assessment may include:

• Menstrual history
• Ovulation assessment
• Previous pregnancy history
• Medication review
• Pelvic examination
• Hormone testing
• Ultrasound
• Partner evaluation
• Referral to a fertility specialist

The timing of fertility testing depends on the patient’s age, health history, cycle pattern, and how long pregnancy has been attempted.

Urinary Symptoms

Urinary symptoms are common but should still be properly assessed because several conditions can cause similar concerns.

Dr. Hernandez may evaluate:

• Urinary leakage
• Frequent urination
• Sudden urgency
• Painful urination
• Repeated urinary infections
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Urinary changes after childbirth
• Symptoms linked to menopause

Testing may include urine analysis, pelvic examination, bladder assessment, or referral to a urologist.

Treatment depends on whether the symptoms are related to infection, pelvic floor weakness, bladder irritation, prolapse, medication, or another condition.

Menopause Care

Menopause is the stage when menstrual periods permanently stop. Symptoms can begin earlier during perimenopause.

Dr. Hernandez may help patients manage:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Irregular periods
• Sleep disruption
• Vaginal dryness
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• Urinary symptoms
• Mood changes
• Bone-health concerns

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medication, vaginal therapies, or menopausal hormone treatment when medically appropriate.

Hormone treatment is not suitable for every patient. The benefits and risks depend on age, health history, symptoms, and personal risk factors.

Another physician offering reproductive and menopause care is Dr. Jihad M. Harmouche.

Gynecological Procedures

Depending on the patient’s diagnosis and available services, Dr. Hernandez may provide or coordinate procedures such as:

• Colposcopy
• Cervical biopsy
• Endometrial biopsy
• Dilation and curettage
• Hysteroscopy
• Endometrial ablation
• Tubal sterilization
• Treatment of selected ovarian conditions
• Fibroid surgery
• Hysterectomy
• Cesarean delivery

Not every patient with a gynecological condition needs surgery. Medication, observation, or another conservative treatment may be appropriate.

Before a procedure, patients should understand why it is recommended, what alternatives are available, and what recovery may involve.

Preparing for an OB-GYN Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A current medication list
• The date of the last menstrual period
• Previous Pap test results
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• Earlier surgery records
• Recent laboratory reports
• Pelvic ultrasound results
• A list of medication allergies
• Notes about symptoms
• Questions about treatment

Patients experiencing abnormal bleeding may find it helpful to record when bleeding occurs, how long it lasts, and how heavy it becomes.

Pregnant patients should bring prenatal records, ultrasound reports, laboratory results, and details of all medicines and supplements.

Patient-Centered Women’s Healthcare

Dr. Hernandez provides obstetric and gynecological care based on each patient’s age, symptoms, pregnancy needs, medical history, and reproductive goals.

His services may include preventive examinations, prenatal monitoring, childbirth care, contraception, menstrual treatment, menopause support, diagnostic testing, and gynecological procedures.

Patients should confirm appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, hospital participation, language services, and referral requirements directly with the practice.